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At least 50 traders arrested in Mombasa's muguka crackdown

Inspectorate officers at Bonje Miritini in Mombasa County arrest muguka traders attempting to transport the commodity on the May 24, 2024. (Photos: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Saturday, May 25, 2024

The order prohibits the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of muguka.

At least 50 muguka traders have been arrested in a crackdown in Mombasa County to enforce a ban on the transportation, distribution, sale, and use of the commodity within the county.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswammad Sheriff Nassir issued an executive order against the stimulant on Thursday, as part of efforts to stop abuse, especially by young people.

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The move saw the inspectorate department start surveillance at entry points and hot spots, including Likoni, Miritini, and Shanzu, to block trade in the commodity.

Mombasa Inspectorate director Charles Changawa said on Saturday that the traders were arrested at Bonje Miritini while trying to ferry the prohibited stimulant. Two trucks were intercepted.

"There were people who tried to use motorbikes to bring in muguka but they were caught in the raid that has been going on since yesterday," he told The Eastleigh Voice by phone.

Changawa warned the public against ignoring the ban, saying, "We will not rest until all the traders understand that muguka is prohibited in our county."

He said the raid would be extended to users as well.

"Nobody will be spared in this fight. We call on the public to help us in this fight," he said.

A spot check on Friday found some traders selling the product, but trays in muguka shops were empty on Saturday, with sellers complaining about the negative impact of the ban on their source of livelihood.

Denis Njambani, a trader, said the income from his muguka business has seen him educate his children, but that he now has no way to put food on the table.

Traders who spoke to The Eastleigh Voice said the government should have introduced measures to ensure minors have no access to the product, rather than imposing a blanket ban.

"Alcohol is bad, but it is still sold in the country, and the government has put in place measures to regulate consumption. The same should be done with muguka," said Sheriff Omar.

The 50 traders are expected to be charged in court on Monday.